I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

Kylie:
That is beautiful. Gosh I can't wait to be a mom. November 16, 2011 7:08 pm

ihilani:
This is just the sweetest thing. I remember a presentation you and Richie did back when he was BYUHSA pres. (Did you even HAVE kids back then???) You guys did a funny little dance (much like in this video) and I thought it was awesome that you didn't take yourselves too seriously. You made a big impression on my (then) 17 year old self and still continue to do so today. Thanks for being you. November 16, 2011 7:12 pm

stephanie vogel:
You always remind me to be still, be me and be in the moment. Thanks Natalie. And do more VLOGS they are freeeeeking adorable and I wish I was surround by more people like you because your very inspiring in many ways. November 16, 2011 9:22 pm

Kelly:
Oh my word. Are you and your husband not THE MOST ADORABLE couple in the history of EVER?! :) Which is precisely why your boys are so precious. What a great video! Fun to the max. Love the smooch at the end, too. heehee November 16, 2011 9:25 pm

Krista Rudd:
Love it !! What song is that playing on the video? Also you have really inspired me with the Generations Project thing you did.. Genealogy was always my moms thing but now that she has passed someone needs to fill those shoes and I think I want to do it. Thanks !! November 16, 2011 10:35 pm

Liz:
Love it! It's so real. It could only be a Gina Z production :) I love your hat (thingy?) by the way! November 17, 2011 3:14 am

Marissa:
Love this so much! Gina, you're amazing (and so are you Nat!!) xoxox November 17, 2011 4:56 am

Above: My boys and I. . . snuggling, sleeping and loving each other right on up.

Auntie G is in town, so that means lots of amazing photography of us doing what we do best. . . being us.

It’s that time of year, the time of year when everyone else gussies up to have their family portraits taken; not us. All I want to do is snuggle my babies and eat bon bons (not really, in actuality I don’t even know what a “bon bon” is). I’m so happy that G is here to capture us. . . just.being.us, including all the snuggling and imaginary bon bons we can stand.

I first met sweet Courtney at The Breathe Intensive in Las Vegas last February. The first thing I noticed was her overwhelming smile and her bright, bright eyes. . . so full of kindness and love. She is a beautiful woman, a brilliant designer and a completely exceptional mother. I feel honored to know her. Truly.

It was AMAZING to get to know her LOVELY little family during our session together in California. They are crazy about each other, and it shows. I’ve enjoyed working on these images so.so.much! I can just FEEL their love jumping off the screen. Ahh! Love these images. Love this family. LOVE. Enjoy! xo! N

Amy Paulson:
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! There are not enough words of joy, love and awesome-ness in the English language to sum up how much I adore these pictures. Oh Courtney - you are beautiful. But that kind of beauty that is so deep on the inside that it transforms those around you. And your daughter? So much precious going on. And your heart for her? Dripping with enough love to fill an ocean. Love you, lady... November 15, 2011 5:40 am

Shari Hanson:
GORGE! great job Natalie - as always... you have a gift for capturing JOY and LOVE... I love these! November 15, 2011 6:16 am

Charlotte:
Oooooh! I love the series of 3 w the mom spinning the daughter around. November 15, 2011 7:45 am

Courtney:
Natalie!! There are not words to convey how excited I am right now and how much I love these! Thank you so much! You made my week. If only someone could teach me what to do with Ella's crazy curly hair! Love them! Love them! Love them!!! Love you! You're going to have to come to San Diego every year to take new ones! November 15, 2011 8:44 am

Dave:
I am the luckiest man alive! Natalie, thank you for capturing these moments in our life... they touch my heart - your work is amazing. November 15, 2011 1:14 pm

natalie:
Charlotte, That series almost made me cry. I love it! November 15, 2011 5:36 pm

Jo Thomas:
Love these, they are just so full and overflowing with LIFE and all it's goodness!! What a beautiful family, stunning light and talented photography. The only thing I don't like is that I live on the other side of the world to you Natalie; it would cost me $7000 just to get my family on the same soil as you and your camera!! xx November 15, 2011 11:44 pm

april:
I adore these pictures, you inspire me everyday! I am sure the family will treasure them forever :) November 16, 2011 10:15 am

QUICK wrap up and then back to our regularly scheduled programming, scout’s honor.

Above: Instax: Crew + me: @ the airport. As per every other second of our lives.

I know.

I’m sorry that this blog was completely hijacked by my sudden genealogical mid life crisis (of sorts). We’ve all been completely and totally saturated by The Generation’s Project, but I’m happy (and very sad) to report that the journey has officially come to a close. . . though truth be told, in my actual life and heart, it’s only just begun.

To say, AGAIN, that my involvement in this project has changed my life sounds ridiculously trite in contrast to the true feelings of my soul.

I will never be the same.

Above: Instax: The last scene of the episode was filmed here in Phoenix.
It was SO refreshing to have my family involved.
Missed them like crazy.

What I learned, in CliffNotes form:

1. We are closer to those who have gone before us than we might think. They care about us and are very much invested in the types of lives we lead. (I KNOW how absurd that must sound, but this experience has shown me that it is, in fact, truth.)

2. We should live each day in grateful tribute to those who have gone before. . . family yes, but also, leaders, innovators, heroes of all shapes and sizes, even the lost, lonely and forgotten. . . and on and on and on. We have been given MUCH; we have MUCH to be grateful for.

3. A grateful heart, is a happy heart. A grateful heart is NEVER a victim of circumstance and can withstand even the cruelest occurrences in life with courage and even joy.

4. Being anxiously engaged in the service of others, carries with it a deep sense of satisfaction (and hope) that cannot be found in any other way.

5. It is important that we keep a history, that our children, and their children, and on and on and on, might learn from our challenges and mistakes and rejoice in our successes. We must write, that they might know that the same courage and will to prevail that lives within us, is inherent also to them. We must record that they might know that they are LOVED, and even before they are consciously known, they matter.

Above: Instagram (NatalieNorton)
En route to the airport: final flight.
Officially bidding this journey a very fond aloooooha!

My commitment moving forward. Again, very much abridged:

1. I will thank God for my blessings every, single day.

2. I will LOVE and CHERISH my living children. . . in honor of Almira. . . who could not do so for her own.

3. I will continue the legacy of service left by brave and beautiful Lucy. I will not wallow in grief or hide behind self pity and doubt; I will step forward and lose myself in doing good, every day, and always.

4. I will continue to write, that my children (and theirs) might know me, completely–that they might know my deep, abiding love for them and for that God who gives us life. I will write the TRUTH, as I see it, from the bottom of my soul.

5. I will seek God more completely. I will strive to know him more intimately, through sincere prayer, openly expressed gratitude, and daily study of his inspired word.

My sincere gratitude (and so much love you can taste it) to those who made this episode possible: Racquel, Kohl, Marcia, Jack, Katiene, my soul sister, Chantelle, and allllll the folks at Mirror Lake!

Aloooooha, N

Now, as promised. . . and you’re welcome, in advance:

Bridget:
I'm so excited for you that you are doing this project. I first heard about it a few weeks ago and have watched a couple of the episodes. Seeing that you are personally involved is exciting to me. Makes me want to do it, too. November 13, 2011 8:57 pm

Shelly:
I cannot WAIT to hear each and every detail. November 14, 2011 4:46 am

Rachel Boatright DeVault:
That video is GENIUS! Hhahahhaha....oh, man. That makes me smile hugely. What a good start to my day. November 14, 2011 6:22 am

Natalie:
@Rachel, I honestly have watched it like 300 times, and every time, I've laughed until i cried. Ha ha ha! November 14, 2011 7:24 am

Shari Hanson:
the best part is that you fell down out of the view of the camera, and then it ends! so we are left wondering "is she OK?" but laughing all at the same time! AWESOMENESS! thank you for sharing! xoxo from HB November 14, 2011 8:52 am

rachel B:
What a crazy life you live! who is that monkey in the tree?!!! I love to drop. definitely nice! I love all the instax pictures. Oh I bet the boys missed you like crazy. I know I am right now. I can't wait to hear MORE details. November 14, 2011 9:48 am

Mackenzie:
I don't know you and probably will never get the chance to, but I just wanted to let you know I truly love your blog. Your honesty and your reality. You are true and open. I have never cried reading a story on a blog until I read about your sweet baby Gavin.
I just wanted to say I appreciate your work and thank you.
Oh, and you are gorgeous my dear. Just gorgeous! November 14, 2011 12:23 pm

Jodie:
I can't open the video. I was able to view the last one, but there is just blank space where this one is supposed to be. (iPad). :( November 15, 2011 5:17 am

Amie W:
You crack me so, totally, UP with that video!!! And I needed some cracking UP today!
Thank you for sharing your lessons learned. Your commitments are something that we can all be blessed by as we follow your lead. Thank you for having the courage to lead. Miracles happen to (and because of) hearts that are broken wide open. I love your open heart Natalie. November 15, 2011 1:41 pm

Kristen:
Nice, Nat! You're hilarious! This looks like it has been ajust amazing experience! So fun to see your beautiful family. Much Aloha! November 15, 2011 10:10 pm

Raquel Marvez:
I will never forget it! Thanks for helping us to get the perfect shot xoxox :) December 6, 2011 9:09 am

Natalie Norton, a bit of inspiration… |:
[...] I became absorbed in Natalie Norton, a wonderful photographer whose blog I’d found over a year ago, although I don’t recall [...] December 6, 2011 10:57 am

Chantelle:
I am so sad I missed the last scene today. Natalie, you are such an inspiration. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. It's been an amazing journey for all of us and I'm grateful I was able to be a part of it. November 10, 2011 8:19 pm

Shelly:
Yes, Yes, YES!!! Seems to me that someone I know told you this would be lifechanging....:) :) :) I'm so THRILLED you're taking this journey, not only for yourself, but for your family and generations to come. November 11, 2011 3:56 am

Erin:
Wow, I feel the same, and sometimes I am really embarrassed because for so many people in our age category family history isn't even on their radar. I am excited to see the final product! November 11, 2011 4:11 am

Shari Hanson:
YAYYYYYYYYYY I am so excited for you and thrilled that you are able to experience this. Honestly I am quite a bit jealous too...in a friendly way! So...maybe you could say that your journey is nudging me to learn more about my ancestors so I can experience things like that too... So happy for you and can't wait to hear more of the details! xoxo from HB November 11, 2011 5:57 am

Rachel Boatright DeVault:
YOU live a life that is a tribute to God, even with the losses you've sustained. I'm so happy for you to be discovering these amazing things! November 14, 2011 6:15 am

Barbara Bair:
Natalie, I just watched your episode on The Generations Project. We are related! My great great great Grandparents are Elias and Elmira. In fact my great great Grandpa is George Washington Adams (whom I saw was your ancestor too!) I live less than 1/2 mile from where Elias settled in Layton UT. In fact, the first house that George Washington Adams and his wife built is still standing! Thanks for sharing your story. It is good to know about our ancestors and what they went through. By the way - Steve Young (yes the quarterback)is also a descendent of George Washington Adams. We have great ancestors that I truly believe are watching over us and are our guardian angels! September 19, 2012 3:58 pm

natalie:
Barbara, Hi cousin! Fun, fun, fun! And I agree, I really do believe that they are involved in our lives. It's a beautiful thing to know. With love, Natalie September 20, 2012 10:34 am